How to: Clean and rebuild valves

[smashingchuck]

After chasing leaks around my system for the last few days, I finally found my dump valves were leaking through because they were dirty. I took some pictures along the way, just because I haven't seen this subject covered in the past. I'm using One of my ODE brand valves, but all are pretty similar.

First, remove the wiring plug. Pretty simple so far...



Next, remove the coil.





Next you will want to split the valve itself. Be careful when taking this apart as there are spring and pins that can drop all over the floor once it is pulled apart.



Now you can see the diaphragm, pin, spring, and seal.



Use a low pressure air gun to blow the diaphragm out of the valve block, and remove the seal.



Next clean all surfaces inside the valve block,clean the diaphragm, seal, and all other parts. I used WD-40. In this particular case there were tiny brass particles inside the valve. I'm not sure if it was from use of the valve, or from the manufacturing process. My money was is on manufacturing, but there is no way to be sure.

After every surface is spic and span, reassemble the valve, and test it by putting pressure on it. If it still leaks through, you'll need a rebuild kit to replace the seals and the diaphragm. In my case, just wiping them down did the trick!!

[edflores]

wd-40 will eat the diaphrams and seals i hear. i clean mine with alcohol. i believe you are suppose to lube everything with lithium grease as well.

your ode valve look different then mine on the inside weird. you should check if these is anything stuck in the little hole, on the top part of the valve. that caused mine not to work properly.

[Shane]

edflores is on the money about WD-40 ... it is NOT recommended for rubber parts.

[smashingchuck]

Originally Posted by Shane

edflores is on the money about WD-40 ... it is NOT recommended for rubber parts.

Straight from the WD-40 website:

"What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 on?

WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40."

[ulakovic22]

There is a big debate about the use of WD-40 in cleaning o-ring chains as well. People seem to think that it eats the o-rings and dries out your chain, but it doesn't.

[Shane]

Of course WD-40 is gonna say it's safe for everything, but they aren't the ones that are gonna replace the valve.

You can use what ya want, but having seen first-hand what WD-40 will do to rubber o-rings in a chain I personally would not use a petroleum based product on a rubber component, especially something such as a thin rubber membrane found in these solenoid valves.

Most valve manufacturers recommend silicone for cleaning & lubrication.

[smashingchuck]

Edited by Mod Staff: removal of confrontational post.

[Shane]

Why is it you chose to skip the first person who said WD-40 was detrimental to rubber components and quote me instead.

[smashingchuck]

Edited by Mod Staff: removal of confrontational post.

[Liz]

48 hr account suspension.. please do not troll in threads. if you have an issue with a staff member, take it up in private with Josh or myself